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Prison Administration in Modern Nigeria

NCJ Number
88052
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1982) Pages: 73-83
Author(s)
A R Rotimi
Date Published
1982
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The Nigerian prison system, as it is known today, was introduced by the British during the time when Nigeria was her colony (1861-1960). The British left a two-tier system (Native and Federal) of prisons which became unified into one prison system in 1968.
Abstract
The Nigerian prison system is headed by a Director who is assisted by Assistant Directors, Chief Superintendents, Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents of prisons. These are all senior officers. The junior level is comprised of wardens of various grades. Both junior and senior officers wear uniforms. Classification of prisons and prisoners is rather loose and sometimes arbitrary - leading to occasional mixing of first offenders and career criminals. The aim of imprisonment is not specifically spelled out in any statutes or decrees. The problems of prison administration in Modern Nigeria include high staff turnover rate, inadequate classification of inmates, etc. To alleviate such problems it will be necessary to review and improve the general working conditions for staff, find alternatives to imprisonment, and carry on more research on criminality in Nigeria. Many of these will be easy to carry out if the government provides sufficient funding. (Publisher abstract)